586 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department has instructed the architects responsible for progressing the extension to Pallaskenry School, County Limerick to suspend their work. [7691/02]

The allocation for primary buildings in 2002 is €153.6 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates the Government's commitment to improving the accommodation in primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997. Due to the greatly increased level of activity in the primary buildings area since the Government came into office, there has been a substantial increase in the number of major and minor building projects in construction and this has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity. Pallaskenry national school is being extended and refurbished as part of the Government's programme and is currently in architectural planning. The project will continue to the invitation of tenders as soon as possible under the expanded building programme.

587 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the urgent need for a building project in a vocational school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the reason for the delay in proceeding with these works; and when construction will commence on the project. [7692/02]

The allocation for post-primary build ings in 2002 is €182.31 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates the Government's commitment to improving the accommodation in post-primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997. Due to the greatly increased level of investment in the post-primary buildings area since the Government came into office, there has been a substantial increase in the number of major and minor building projects in construction and this has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity.

The school to which the Deputy refers is to receive additional accommodation as part of the Government's programme and staff in my Department are currently examining a stage 4 submission. When this examination is complete progression to stage 5, bill of quantities, will be authorised as soon as possible under the expanded building programme.